Saturday, November 11
Start/Finish: Pine Bend Brook TH
Miles: 8.89
Elevation gain/loss: 3760′
After passing by a big group of roller cross-country skiiers ascending Kancamagus Pass on the Kancamagus highway, I headed out from the trailhead at 9:55am. I was able to hike the first 2 miles without spikes but then needed to put them on as the snow and ice developed. The climb up to the first summit wasn’t too bad, though I knew the steep parts would suck coming back down. I passed a dozen people on my way over to the 2nd summit; it was a bit windy and chilly on top, but there was blue sky and views to be had. Lower down, the air temperature made its way to just above freezing, allowing some slight melting in the sun. I enjoyed the warmer temperatures, and did my best to rush back to the trailhead to get over to Kinsmans with more daylight.
Transcending Mountains 